You may be wondering what all the fuss is about: does nature actually benefit us, and if so, how? We compiled this blog post to answer just that, in the hope that it will inspire you to grab your boots and get outdoors. Research is continuing to uncover more and more benefits of spending time in nature, and we'll share some of these with you now.
It lowers stress and lifts your mood
Reduction in stress levels is a well-known benefit of immersing yourself in nature. The production of stress hormones (cortisol) is reduced, consequently improving your overall mood. Feelings of anger and fear are also reduced, and boredom can be alleviated. Research has shown that those who suffer from depression experience a lift in mood after spending time in nature, and people battling anxiety experience short-term reductions in anxiety. One study found that engaging in physical exercise in nature significantly boosted both mood and self-esteem.
It improves your memory
Time spent walking in nature has been shown to improve short-term and working memory. One study showed that people suffering from depression experience an improvement in memory span, and similar research suggests that short-term memory can be boosted by up to 20%.
It improves problem-solving and creativity
If you're ever experiencing writer's block, or you're searching for that 'Eureka!' moment, you may want to step out into nature for a while. Just 20 minutes in nature improves overall cognitive function, which lends itself to problem-solving and creativity. Participants in one study scored a whopping 50% higher on a creativity test after spending just 3 days in nature (I highly recommend listening to 'The 3 Day Effect' by Florence Williams on Audible, which explores the benefits of nature on wellbeing and trauma recovery, using experiments such as the one aforementioned).
It has physical benefits
Even a slow amble in nature gets you moving, and any form of exercise is beneficial to your physical and mental health. Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce inflammation, which can have long-term health impacts and cause illnesses such as depression and inflammatory bowel disease. It also lowers blood pressure and reduces your heart rate, which can improve your overall health.
Convinced?
Hopefully this post gives you an insight into how nature might be able to benefit you. It's easy to get swept up in our modern world of urban environments and technology, but it's important to go back to our roots and spend time in the natural world. The healing powers of nature are truly extraordinary.
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